BOASTING THEIR undefeated streak, the Ateneo Men’s Football Team (AMFT) outclassed the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Booters, 2-0, to enter the Ang Liga Football Tournament Finals. The thrilling semifinal match-up was held earlier this afternoon at the University of the Philippines Diliman Football Field in Quezon City.
With a winning performance against their longtime adversaries, the Katipunan-based squad secured their fifth win in the Ang Liga Season 19 Division 1 tournament, forging ahead on their path to the finals.
Holding midfielder Diego Aspiras displayed a high-octane level performance on both ends of the pitch, providing vital tackles and a goal for the Blue Eagles. Star veteran Leo Maquiling also tallied up a goal, shooting a low-driven ball to open the score sheet.
Despite a heated affair from the onset of the match, both sides’ defensive gambits limited their opportunities to draw first blood. Nonetheless, a breakthrough finally emerged in the 37th minute when a broken pass by DLSU’s keeper ended up with midfielder Maquiling. The veteran mainstay’s impressive footwork managed to dispossess the opposing goalie, giving Maquiling a clear shot at the goal to put Ateneo ahead in the game, 1-0.
In the closing minutes of the first half, defensive midfielder Aspiras also took his chances in front of the goal, delivering a tap-in shot within the 18-yard box to double up the lead, 2-0.
Opening the second half, the Taft-based squad put on an offensive showdown, delivering an abundance of long-ball plays in the Atenean half. In the 61st minute, Green Booter Isaac Anoh delivered a lobbed shot over Artuz Cezar, but was denied by a goal-line clearance from Atenean defender Jethro Flores.
Subsequently, the Blue Eagles struck back with Wilmer Lopez smashing in a shot down the side-netting, only to be repelled by DLSU keeper Enrico Mangaoang’s extended dive in the bottom corner. Dov Cariño also took a shot on goal, only to be bounced out of play off the Green Booter’s crossbar.
Approaching the dying minutes of the Ateneo-La Salle Derby, the Blue and White executed offensive plays down the wing against a debilitating Lasallian team. However, missed shot attempts from the Blue and White ended the semi-final contest with a two-goal lead in favor of Ateneo.
After the remarkable performance of the Atenean side, midfielder Leo Maquiling had nothing but elation for his teammates. “I’m really happy that we were able to improve from our previous games, ‘cause [in] the last game we conceded three goals. So given the result now, […] I’m really happy with the result,” he shared.
For the first time since 2016, the Blue Eagles will have a chance to be crowned the kings of Ang Liga as they face the Adamson University Soaring Falcons on Saturday, November 4, at 3:30 PM at the same venue.
